Two days after the Miron disaster, the top police, led by Commissioner Kobi Shabtai, gathered for a discussion.
Its essence, according to the document summarizing the discussion obtained by Moshe Steinmetz of ‘Khan Haod’, deals with the transfer of responsibility to other parties besides the police – from the prime minister to the professional ranks.
In addition, the superintendents and the commissioner discuss advice: how to thwart the investigation of the National Security Agency that was opened immediately after the disaster?
“We must act to bring forward the scheduled meeting with the Attorney General”, says Commissioner Yaakov Shabtai, and asks to establish an investigative committee and stop the investigation of the National Security Agency. “The recommendation of the Israel Police is to establish an external, neutral, objective state committee, which will not be influenced by foreign factors/considerations, while stopping the procedure currently being carried out by the police,” said Shabtai.
The legal advisor to the police, Deputy Superintendent Ayelet Elisher, said at the hearing: “I agree that the target is a state investigative committee, since it is also a matter of political rank and private parties.”
She also opposes a criminal investigation: “There is no room for a criminal investigation at this stage. An investigation will paralyze the possibility of a real investigation. There is a long process of years. It’s not about evasion, but the ability to allow a thorough examination.”
The head of the Operations Division, Superintendent Avi Biton, also says: “A state investigation committee is better.”
Chief of Staff Chief of Staff David Bitan offers to roll responsibility. “The purpose of the meeting”, he says, “is to exchange ideas and opinions in order to formulate a course of action… the central question is the question of responsibility.” Responsibility is not only on one factor… the finger should not be pointed only at the Israel Police.”
The Chief of Staff talks about the importance of collecting the materials in the police and suggests trying to involve the Prime Minister in the matter as well: “There are materials in the Prime Minister’s office that need to be collected.”
Head of the Investigations and Intelligence Division, Superintendent Yigal Ben Shalom: “All the factors are in the story and not just the Israel Police. A systemic and not personal story”.
He is also against the investigation by the National Security Agency: “The National Security Agency began examining and collecting materials and we faced a collision – an investigative team against the National Security Agency. The right solution, in my opinion, is the demand for a commission of inquiry.”
Ben Shalom prepared for a meeting with the Attorney General at the time, Avichai Mandelblit: “Today there will be a meeting with the adviser and I will find out what the direction is. We will insist on stopping and going to a commission of inquiry.”
The head of Lahav 433, Superintendent Moti Cohen, said in the discussion: “I propose to stop the investigation of the police until a decision is made.” The head of the human resources department, Superintendent Boaz Goldberg, talks about the coordination with the police: “We spoke with the head of the police to confirm the names of the police officers.”
The Israel Police stated: “The incident is under investigation by a state investigative committee and therefore, at this stage, we cannot reply to the substance of the matter.”